A high-profile legal battle is underway in the world of professional boxing, as a renowned boxer and his promotional company have filed a lawsuit against another famous fighter and his associated entities. The complaint was lodged by Devin Haney and Devin Haney Promotions, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on September 27, 2024, targeting Ryan Garcia, Golden Boy Promotions, Inc., fitness trainer Dave Honig, and several unidentified individuals.
The lawsuit centers around an April 20, 2024 bout between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. According to the complaint, both fighters had agreed to adhere to anti-doping regulations and weight requirements set forth by various governing bodies including the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the New York State Athletic Commission. However, Haney alleges that Garcia violated these agreements by using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and intravenous fluids without proper authorization.
The plaintiffs claim that Garcia's actions were part of a deliberate scheme to gain an unfair advantage. Leading up to the fight, Garcia exhibited erratic behavior that raised suspicions but was dismissed as promotional antics. The day before the bout, Garcia weighed in over the agreed limit but convinced Haney to proceed with a revised contract. Post-fight drug tests revealed that Garcia had tested positive for Osterine—a banned substance—resulting in a "no contest" ruling for what was initially declared a win for Garcia.
Haney asserts that he would not have agreed to fight had he known about Garcia's PED use. The complaint further alleges that Golden Boy Promotions failed to enforce anti-doping protocols adequately and unjustly retained profits from the bout despite Garcia's disqualification under doping rules. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for physical injury, reputational harm amounting to millions of dollars, emotional distress, and financial losses due to fraudulent misrepresentations by Garcia.
Additionally, Haney is requesting punitive damages against all defendants involved in aiding or abetting Garcia’s alleged misconduct. This includes John Does who purportedly assisted in administering PEDs and IVs to Garcia. Notably, Garcia has accused his trainer Honig of providing him with Osterine-laced supplements—a claim Honig denies but will be explored through discovery.
The plaintiffs also seek pre-judgment attachment of funds held by Golden Boy Promotions intended for Garcia as well as a full accounting of profits from the event. They argue that without such measures, there is a risk that these funds could be dissipated given Garcia’s unpredictable behavior.
Haney is represented by Patrick C. English of Dines and English LLC based in Clifton, New Jersey. Case I.D. No.: 1:24-cv-06845.